Horror movies have long been a source of thrills and chills for moviegoers, but some of the most terrifying stories are the ones that are based on true crime. From the grisly murders of serial killers to the mysterious disappearances of unsuspecting victims, the horror genre has been inspired by some of the most haunting real-life events. Here are five horror movies that will leave you sleeping with the lights on, all of which are based on true crimes.

1) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Perhaps one of the most iconic horror movies of all time, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is loosely based on the real-life crimes of Ed Gein, a serial killer who made headlines in the 1950s. Gein’s crimes included murder, grave-robbing, and creating objects out of human remains. The film follows a group of friends who stumble upon a family of cannibals while on a road trip, and the resulting chaos is nothing short of horrifying.

2) The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris, The Silence of the Lambs tells the story of FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of incarcerated serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another killer on the loose. The character of Lecter was inspired by real-life serial killer Ted Bundy, who was known for his charm and intelligence, as well as his brutal crimes.

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3) Wolf Creek (2005)

Wolf Creek is a brutal and graphic horror film that tells the story of three backpackers who become stranded in the Australian outback and fall victim to a sadistic killer. The film was inspired by the real-life crimes of Ivan Milat, also known as the Backpacker Killer, who murdered several backpackers in Australia in the 1990s.

4) The Girl Next Door (2007)

The Girl Next Door is based on the novel of the same name by Jack Ketchum, which was itself based on the true story of Sylvia Likens. In 1965, Likens was tortured and murdered by her caregiver and the caregiver’s children in a case that shocked the nation. The film follows the harrowing events that led up to her death and the aftermath that followed.

5) Zodiac (2007)

Zodiac is a chilling thriller that tells the story of the hunt for the Zodiac Killer, who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The film is based on the true story of the Zodiac Killer, whose identity has never been discovered, and the detectives and journalists who tried to solve the case. With a stellar cast including Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr., Zodiac is a must-see for horror fans and true crime enthusiasts alike.

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These five horror movies offer a chilling glimpse into the world of true crime, and the real-life events that inspired them are no less terrifying. From the brutal murders of Ed Gein to the unsolved mystery of the Zodiac Killer, these films will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you questioning the depths of human depravity.